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well, i mean... there are actual composers, and then there are mimics. every composer basically started out as a mimic but with (a) the ability to identify and build upon the most creative or revolutionary ideas in the music they were mimicking and (b) the patience to put a lot of time into composition, both in writing a lot of music and in thinking a lot about each composition they did write. there's no reason a piece that does refer back to something else can't stand on its own and merely provide a commentary on or critique of the earlier piece—look at brahms's first symphony, clearly a "ripoff" of beethoven's ninth in many respects, yet managing to establish an individual identity such that one would never mistake it for its inspiration. then look at the symphonies of friedrich gernsheim which are simple imitations of brahms's without depth or individuality and have consequently been entirely forgotten. genuine innovation in music is rare (and often born from lack of talent in the traditional medium). most composers imitate. steal as much of another composer's surface as you desire, but take care to make the affect your own.

As a rule, I'm always skeptical of composers using the word 'organic' to promote their cause.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I was trying to find a specific Vivaldi "Dixit Dominus" a while back and I had a really hard time figuring out which one it was because, 1. Vivaldi wrote about four "Dixits Domini" and every time he did, he kept certain aspects from the previous ones and just tweaked other parts and 2. everybody else's "Dixit Dominuses" also have similarities to the one I was looking for, and to each other. If you start with the same text, the natural rhythm of that text will lend itself to certain rhythms in the finished piece, and the meaning of the text is going to lend itself to a certain type of sound as far as chords go. And then, of course, they were all quoting and resampling each others' work a bit here and there too, intentionally or not. It's also entirely possible that you are hearing similarities that wouldn't occur to someone else, because you know whose music you listen to all the time. All the music of the 90's has a sound. All the music of the 80's has a sound. Because we get ideas from the musical culture around us, and we respond to what other people are doing. But that's just how a musical style develops and evolves. That's how we end up with the Baroque Period. I wouldn't worry about it too much. If it's in you, get it out on the page to make room in your head for the next musical idea. History will forget the forgettable tunes, and sort out what is your best work for you. You just have to worry about producing content for history to sort. (:

So, what happens when you consciously try to create something different? Is it utterly distasteful to you? Sure, using motifs, if melodic you will certainly hear a lot of overly familiar intervallic relationships, and and rhythmic - we've all heard those common/'uncommon' meters plenty as well. But this doesn't mean your melody will certainly mimic something you've heard, though, it may come close to something you haven't heard. If you're actually 'trying' not to mimic something, and create something 'new' to yourself, then I think all is well, because for you, you have innovated yourself. You have gone through the process of overcoming your current norm. That is respectable...to an extent, because, then you show someone your creation, and they point you to the mass of music that is like your new work. Well, then, are you going to try and create something new out of this next thing, or go back to your old way, or what - maybe you should mix what you learned about your newer style, into your older - try and get the best aspects out of both worlds...or as many worlds as you like. It is up to you to try and break from your own mould. I think it is exciting to decide where to go from here, as you keep growing, or at least changing...all along the way. As long as you're not stagnant, then your growth is a very personal one, and I think that it should be cherished, regardless if the world has already heard something like it. It depends on you, I think. Surely you won't sound EXACTLY like things you've already heard, if you can manage your 'personal touch'. But, then again, how literal were you in the OP?